SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES FAIRFAX COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER LISTENING FORUM - NOVEMBER 2009

A larger than usual crowd gathered at the Government Center for the eighth Listening Forum in the Director's series. Director John Dargle introduced the evening with an explanation of the listening forum concept. As a new director he wanted to get out into the county and meet the community in their neighborhoods and hear directly from them about out parks; what we do well and not so well. Over the year he's been to seven of the nine supervisor districts and the Government Center. On January 21, 2010 he will be in Sully District at Cabell's Mill and on February 18, 2010 at Frying Pan Farm Park in Hunter Mill District to complete the year of Listening Forums around the county.

Harry Glasgow, At-Large Park Authority Board Member, and Ken Quincy, Providence Park Authority Board Member, attended. There were also representatives from Supervisor Cook's Office (Ryan Kelly) as well as Chairman Bulova's Office ( Christina Fullmer).

Over the course of the year the issues have changed. The areas of importance to constituents have all gravitated to budget issues: how services in parks have been affected, cut backs on favorite activities, lay-offs and declining physical appearance as in mowing.

Since this forum was held in the Government Center, there were several constituencies from all parts of the county attending with specific issues as well as park enthusiasts who were concerned about the cuts in the Fairfax County Park Authority budget. The Director explained about the revenue sources as background. What was fee based and what came from the general fund?
The following are issues as raised during the Listening Forum:

ISSUE: Lake Accotink Park

• Concerns with staff layoffs
• Safety concerns
• Dargle explained about using consolidation to cover safety, accessibility and cleanliness
• Attendees were reminded to communicate with the Board of Supervisors and make comments on our web site.
• More cuts are coming.
• Mowing grass has been changed from a weekly cycle to a 14 or 21 day cycle. Citizens often comment on that.

ISSUE:  Night Bike Riding

• Several members of MORE attended and spoke to having night riding and they want to help in any way they can.
• Wakefield is the only place available now. The former manager of Audrey Moore, Bill Helwig, who started night riding, was there. He reported how night riders at Wakefield found a missing child.
• MORE members spoke about night bike riders helping reduce gang activity and there are national programs with statistics showing how night riding helps communities.

A meeting was held with several constituents as well as members of the Park Authority Planning Staff, Park Services Division and Resource Management Division at which mountain bike locations, priorities and processes were discussed.  Things appear to be moving forward with Kirk Holley in the Planning Division describing next steps and processes for facility development and master plan inclusion.

A cross-divisional team of Park Authority staff involving the Resource Management, Park Services, Park Operations and Planning and Development Divisions met to evaluate a request for night riding programs at Laurel Hill and Lake Fairfax.  The group identified a series of factors that make a park a good fit for night riding including:

• Limited proximity to residences.  Sufficient buffer exists between the activity area and adjacent residential neighborhoods to minimize the impact of the activity on residential neighbors.
• Established trail system.  The park contains an established trail system that could host regular night riding mountain bike use with minimal impact.
• Manmade intrusion already present.  Areas in which park resources have already been heavily impacted by manmade activity are more suitable than areas with low levels of human impact.
• Staffed site/night activities.  Staffed sites with existing night activities are most suitable for this activity.  Unstaffed sites and those with no evening activity are not suitable.
• Staff support/volunteer coordinator.  Presence of a staff contact on-site to oversee the program and coordinate the volunteer effort is important to the success of the program.
• Available lit parking. Sufficient lit parking within the park is preferred.

Based on consideration of these criteria, the team does not consider Laurel Hill Park to be a candidate for night riding at this time.  With park development at Laurel Hill still in its infancy, the Park Authority faces too many operational restrictions to make this site a realistic option at this stage.

ISSUE: Network with REI

• An employee of REI reported that it was difficult to get a working relationship with the Park Authority.
• In the past they have only worked with the parks when an individual manager was contacted.
• Director Dargle committed to improving that situation since we can't do it alone.

ISSUE: Deer Hunting

• Many people attended the Listening Forum to complain about deer hunting with bows and arrows. The news media had played up the discontent among the animal rights groups.
• There is a history of deer hunting in the county. Charles Smith answered questions for FCPA. Sharp shooting and bow hunting are integrated. The rules are very specific and hunts are well planned and monitored. No one has been killed by an archer.
• Deer Management program is overseen by Animal Control, the Police Department and the Board of Supervisors. FCPA plays a role in facilitating.           
• Animal rights and Humane Society members expressed their criticism of the program and had information to pass out: Cooperative Community Collaboration and a list of questions entitled We'd Like to Know. When did the public have input?
• Members of communities near Colvin Run spoke in favor of program.
• Information both pro and con was shared including issues such as: the lack of natural predators, deer contraception, health and safety of the community, environment, loss of natural plants that support other animal life,
• White paper is needed on the history, how is improvement measured, it take years to collect data. Criteria for cancelling deer hunts requested.
• Better notification and signage around areas when hunting is happening, park users worry
• Motion detectors suggested for fewer auto accidents. Used in other states.

• Information regarding deer management programs in Fairfax County can be found online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/deer/.

ISSUE: Archers

• Archery groups are looking for a home in Fairfax County. Now they are forced to go outside the county to engage in their sport.
• They would like to start a Friends group to support the effort.
• The subject has a history. Liability and safety were issues. Groups convinced they have those problems covered. Bull Run has ranges.
• Look into the plan similar to one that radio controlled airplanes worked out.
• Bow hunters were in attendance and spoke positively about the deer management program.

• The Park Authority has responded to archers in the past that currently there is no appropriate location for archery identified in existing master plans. A meeting was convened between the respondents and Planning staff at which the Park Authority gathered their requirements.  The Park Authority will now look at space and use requirements and work with the Park Operations Division to identify possible locations in the western portion of the county.

ISSUE: Collaboration to Ensure History and Nature Connection

• Centreville Historic Park, a new park that will suffer with budget cuts.
• An example of the importance and great collaboration of history and nature. Other examples, Sears House and Mt. Gilead, Tyson's Pimmit Run
• The Covered Way, a Civil War entrenchment, is ill-maintained. It's beyond neighborhood capacity to keep up. Use scouts here.
• Communities coming together to solve problems: geese in Lake Barcroft and grass cutting, Mason District Park.

ISSUE: Discussion of ideas to support parks in this economic down time

• Parks serving more people that ever. Visits up from 14 million to 17 million serving more people than many county agencies.
• To show support of parks, call your member of the Board of Supervisors and contact your Park Authority Board member.
• Create more Friends groups
• Area crews working with neighborhoods
• Park Foundation looks at revenue sources like naming rights
• Since Virginia is a Dillon state, a locality can't do anything like adding a tax without permission of the state
• More education about invasive plants and the IMA program. 

For more information on how you can volunteer with the Invasive Management Area program please visit us online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/ima/

ISSUE: Process for making changes in parks and policies

• Master plan needs assessment, strategic plan. We are coming up to the fifth year of the five year strategic plan.
• Changes involve Park Authority Board decision, public hearings, Planning Commission

ISSUE: Cross County Trail

• The CCT is a jewel.
• Would like to see an east-west trail, and the western part is missing connectors.
• Concern that the trails   coordinator is retiring and won't be replaced due to budget cuts.
• Will work with other agencies such as DOT being creative and collaborative. The area crew people will have these additional responsibilities.
• Trail enthusiasts anxious for a Sully Woodlands trail.
• Request for time-use change on CCT until 8 p.m. since it's a commuter route. Right now it's illegal to ride after sundown.

ISSUE: How to advocate for budget increase for our favorite parks and features?

• We need info on web "for dummies," easy to access and understand.
• Green Spring is so special
• Garden plots, waiting list of 300, gardens more important now than ever
• Long Brach Stream Valley erosion, need a plan
• Prepare speaking points for Friends and advocates
• Eagle Scouts are always looking for projects. Make better use of their potential.
• Better education about environment in parks; what's healthy or not for nature.

For more information about our Garden Plot program and how you too can become a community gardener, please visit us online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/plots.htm.

ISSUE: Equestrian Programs

• Great appreciation from horse enthusiasts for new rings at Turner Farm and Laurel Hill.
• Need for Fairfax County to have opportunities for riding lessons if you don't own a
• horse. Fairfax lost riding stables to development and they were never replaced.
• Only Fauquier (Lovettsville) and Montgomery Counties offer lessons.
• Fairfax 4 Horses members attended.

ISSUE: Farmers' Markets

• Popularity and importance of Farmers Markets
• Support of local farmers
• Can there be year-round Farmers Markets?

For more information about Farmers Markets please visit us online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farm-mkt.htm.

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM - JULY 2009

Cindy Messenger chaired the meeting in John Dargle's absence. The staff in attendance included: Laura Marquart, manager of South Run RECenter, Charlie Reagle, manager Burke Lake Park, Hidden Pond Nature Center Manager Jim Pomeroy and representatives of the Resource Management Division (RMD), Park Operations, Park Services, Planning and Development (P&D) and the Public Information Office.

Several Fairfax County Park enthusiasts from the general Springfield area came mostly to praise the parks and give some constructive criticism. At this particular time the master plan for Stratton Woods, a park and community in Hunter Mill District, was in the process of being amended. A member of that community used the Listening Forum to express her concerns. People came with photos to support their suggestions for improvements on trails as well as other amenities such as the road into the RECenter. In all cases, safety was the major concern.

It was noted that record crowds use every aspect of South Run from the fields to the exercise rooms, classrooms and pools clearly demonstrating the popularity and appreciation for the RECenter.

ISSUE: Traffic concerns near the RECenter

• Several regular RECenter users expressed their concerns with the narrow approach road.
• The narrow road is compromised by cars parking on the side or simply the numbers of vehicles.
• Reports of car accidents at the corner.
• In addition to parking, the cross walk was mentioned.
• Dave Bowden, director of P& D, reported that money left over from the South Run expansion was aside to improve parking and widening the road.

ISSUE: South Run Staff

• Frequent users complimented the facility and service providers
• They expect the same level of service from all employees
• Life for many in community would not be as rich without South Run RECenter.
• Offered praise for the new fitness center as well as the manager

ISSUE: Facility

• Require cleaner locker rooms and surfaces and floor.
• Clean more often during camp season when more kids are using facility.
• Excessive heat in exercise area. The issue of leaving doors open could be the cause. The temperature is set at 68 degrees and gets down to 65.
• Request to preserve racquetball was made. This has been a running issue with users at this site

ISSUE: Friends of Hidden Pond regarding budget cutbacks

• Susan Sousa, president of the Friends of Hidden Pond Nature Center noted she is representing 100 people who greatly appreciate Hidden Pond Nature Center
• The education offered and message presented by staff for stewardship is excellent
• The community's concern about budget cutbacks and effect on Hidden Pond's ability to serve the community was discussed
• A 40% reduction was too much. She claimed there is concern that headquarters' staff was increasing while resource staff decreasing and being asked to do much.
• Deputy Director addressed challenges of General Fund reduction.

ISSUE: Further need to help constituents understand the budget

• Constituents expressed concern about budget cuts they heard about and didn't understand.
• The Park Authority's commitment to budget education was reiterated by staff who encouraged residents to ask questions and attend approaching budget hearings.
• Assurances were given that the Park Authority remains committed to do everything that supports the mission
• Deputy Director cautioned about more reductions and tough times ahead.
• Deputy Messinger reiterated that there was great appreciation for the contributions that Friends group make in supporting sites. This includes funding for interns as well as other personnel and items supported by Friends.

ISSUE: Trails

• Trails along certain areas, especially South Run Stream Valley were in need of repair. The steps need to be fixed. Jenny Pate had promised to get this done. Rainbow Bridge is a problem. It was proffered in the '70's when the development was built. FCPA has not done anything to improve it. Photos taken in 2000 documented the issue, and the bridge is much worse now. There is a finger lake that has bee totally forgotten.
• Great appreciation expressed for the work done on the Cross County Trails.
• Mention of the Laurel Hill trail where it meets Lorton Road and the RR tracks as dangerous. Staff reported that a solution is planned for that crossing when road is redone.
• Staff spoke to the fact that the trail strategy plan was completed and available on our website.
• Again trail users complimented FCPA on the wonders of connecting runners, bikers, walkers throughout the entire county.

ISSUE: Stratton Woods

• The Master Plan amendment process was discussed in reference to Stratton Woods. The criticism suggested that citizens are left out. More data is needed to satisfy constituents. Differences pointed out between Stratton Woods and South Run. Comparisons between Stratton Woods and Lewinsville neighborhood and the lighting used for their park were deemed to be worthless.
• Staff noted the effectiveness of neighborhood involvement as seen in planning Lewinsville Park.
• Staff explained proffers to correct misunderstanding of their use.
• Staff explained field allocation and the relationship between the Athletic Council and Park Authority Board.

ISSUE: Miscellaneous

• There was discussion about the recent editorial in the South County newspaper about the Sportsplex. Comment was offered on the solid waste landfill in relation to Sportsplex and clearly this constituent does not want any project to move forward that might extend or expand the life of the landfill. There was criticism and a call for censure of the staff members on the team that examined merits of PPEA. No comment was offered from staff on the matter.
• A boy scout and his mother attended to receive a badge. She was most complimentary about the Listening Forum and told of her appreciation of our Park and Recreation.

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROVIDENCE DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: MAY 2009

Fairfax County Park Authority Director, John Dargle, Jr., convened a Listening Forum in Providence District at Oak Marr RECenter on May 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. Citizens and long time park friends were in attendance. Staff representing FCPA divisions attended.

ISSUE: Non-emergency crime

• Vandalism around garden plot areas was discussed. The Town of Vienna has been dealing with this.
• Friends groups have put up signs with the non-emergency police number.
• Staff will meet with police chief if necessary. Keep FCPA informed.

ISSUE: Oakton Schoolhouse

• Compliments on the schoolhouse. A concern about a turn into property. Suggestion to lobby VDOT in terms of entrance road issues.

ISSUE: Equestrian interests

• Laurel Hill horse facility has parking problems in the lot
• The first ring needs attention
• There are no riding facilities on county parkland.
• There are business opportunities for county to allow private venders to give lessons on county land.
• There are no riding lessons or camps.
• Members of Fairfax for Horses are working with park staff on opportunities.

ISSUE: Cross County Trail

• Many happy trail users.
• Would like to see more natural surface trails.
• Applaud the partnership with the county and volunteers.

ISSUE: Laurel Hill Growth

• Fastest growing area in county
• Challenges for community with BRAC will be important and impact our parks and facilities
• Improving the network of trails in Laurel Hill

ISSUE: Jeb Stuart Park

• In the Bailey's Crossroads area
• General discussion about Master Plan amendment in relation to the lights
• Fenced off for soft ball field; criticism of the need with reference to Title IX
• Call to rescue the forest surrounding the field and specifically to rid the area of invasive plants.

ISSUE: Land Acquisition

• A former Park Authority Board Member and park enthusiast, Fred Crabtree, advocated for aggressive land acquisition.
• History of land acquisition was touched upon from various sources such as proffers.
• The development of Tyson's was discussed. The importance of the concept of urban parks was debated.

The Director summarized the evening's discussion. He asked what FCPA could do? Asked the participants to help the Park Authority by advocating for parks. Stressed the need to reposition ourselves to a higher place in the county's quality of life. We will be a part of the critical needs.

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES MASON DISTRICT LISTENING FORUM: APRIL 2009

A small group of park enthusiasts, customers and members of Friends organizations from around the county gathered at Green Spring Gardens to discuss issues of concern to them with the director and Mason District representative, Frank Vajda. Representatives from Resource Management Division, Park Services, Park Operations and the Public Information Office attended as well as managers of park facilities in Mason District.

This meeting was held at the height of the budget discussions; therefore, the cuts the Parks had to take; suggestions for raising money, and the budget in general were the overwhelming issues of interest that evening.

ISSUE: Restoration of FY 2010 funds

• Of original required 15% General Fund reductions, $825,840 was restored to Park Authority budget by the Board of Supervisors on Monday, April 27, 2009
• Restoration of 11 positions at lakefront parks was included in restoration of funding
• General criticism that the majority of cuts were coming from Resource Management Division (RMD) sites
• Concerns about using donations for staff retention

ISSUE: Discussion about restoration of funding and fees

• Revisit gate fees
• Questions about the use funds and revenue at RMD sites
• Importance of the education which takes place at the RMD sites.
• How to increase donations for specific purposes
• Could Friends groups earmark subsidizing certain salaries?

It was determined later that funding for positions by Friends group was allowable. For more information contact the appropriate site manager.

ISSUE: Field positions vs. headquarter positions

• Discussion of how and why decisions were made to cut positions
• Explanation of positions that were cut.

Director Dargle pointed out that it wasn't a lack of appreciation for or a perceived lack of importance of the RMD staff. The cuts were mandated in the General Fund and therefore tended to hit that division hardest. However, original reductions and reductions taken since have resulted in staff cutbacks across the board and the absorption of positions into the revenue fund when possible. Each and every division in the Park Authority has been impacted by cuts. Currently, an assessment is underway to determine if some cuts are simply too deep and need to be revisited.

ISSUE: General Fund and Revenue Fund

• The importance of educating the public and especially members of advocacy groups such as Friends groups on the sources of funds was made clear.
• Bring the budget process for the parks to the public through presentations to Friends Groups, citizen associations, councils and the federation
• Encourage proactive involvement in budget process

• Explanation of General Fund and Revenue Fund
• Explanation of 170 or Revenue Fund
• Bond usage and capital project funding
• Discussion of the evolution of the old conservation and education divisions to RMD
• The need to move RMD towards becoming revenue producing division.

Other discussion ensued with these suggestions and requests:

• Constituents encouraged the Park Authority to lobby the Board of Supervisors much as Fire and Rescue and Fairfax County Public Schools do. Similarly, Director Dargle encouraged constituents to speak to their elected officials about funding priorities.
• Advocating for the Cold War Museum
• Advocating for the Sportsplex
• Add a tax specifically for the parks